Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways is reportedly weighing a decision to postpone its planned USD 1 billion initial public offering to the first quarter of 2026. The delay would give the national carrier more time to leverage its recently announced international partnerships, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
Among the strategic collaborations secured by the airline this year are a joint venture with Ethiopia, finalised in March, and another with China Eastern Airlines in April. Etihad has also intensified its network expansion efforts, particularly after Wizz Air revealed it would end operations in Abu Dhabi from 1 September.
“Etihad has done well by forging alliances with partner carriers this year. The focus now is on executing these agreements to deliver value for future investors. While the IPO could proceed as planned, it makes stronger commercial sense to shift it to early 2026,” the source added.
The airline is entirely owned by Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor ADQ. Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, Antonoaldo Neves, has consistently reiterated that the final decision on when to list rests with the airline’s shareholder.
While recent geopolitical developments — including US-imposed tariffs and heightened tensions in the Middle East — have contributed to market uncertainty, the primary reason for the shift from a first-half 2025 listing is rooted in Etihad’s forward-looking growth strategy, the source explained.
